Dr. Pierre-Pierre presented information on holiday stress and its effects on the body during Facebook live on Thursday, December 2, 2021. He provided an Introduction, common effects of stress, how to handle stress, and when to seek help.
Complications of Stress on the body:
- Headache, joint and muscle tension not associated with an injury or other known cause
- Fatigue, Insomnia and Disturbed Sleep Patterns
- Low Productivity, lack of Focus and Drive, not enjoying the same things you usually do
- Change in Sex Drive
- Stomach issues such as Diarrhea, Vomiting, and Nausea
- Anxiety and Restlessness
- Easily Saddened, Angered or Depressed
Turning to alcohol, drugs, tobacco or other harmful alternatives to try and assist with the stress is not the answer. There are ways to manage stress and its harmful effects to your health. Identify the stressors in your daily life and those additional triggers that occur during the holidays. Stay in tune with your mind and body and what is going on around you. Staying mindful of peace and tranquility and being rightly positioned with God or another higher being helps to provide that spiritual comfort that is needed for guidance and a peaceful existence.
Helpful hints for toning down stress and its harmful effects:
- Acknowledge your stress and address it – You can never overcome what you postpone
- Stay away from drugs, alcohol or any mood-altering mechanisms
- Ask for help – get assistance, someone you can talk with you, don’t handle it alone, call up a friend, get out in the community
- Exercise, walk, get out in nature
- Practice mindfulness, meditation and relaxation techniques
- Eat a balanced diet – the right amount of protein, carbs, fat, and avoid high sugar content
- Play games, work puzzles, get creative and focus on a hobby or activity you love like reading, singing or art
- Limit social media
- Create a to do list to keep you on track, or a calendar for organization
It is always important, but especially during the hectic times of the holidays, to take time for yourself. Oftentimes, we are pulled in all different directions, and it is a good idea to maintain balance in your schedule and in your regular routines. Take time out for yourself tobe with thoughts to meditate, relax and rejuvenate.
There are apps that can provide ideas and solutions that give tips on how to cope with stress. Getting enough rest is always key in maintaining a healthy and reduced stress lifestyle. By not getting adequate rest, your body and mind can not slow down to properly adjust and handle all that is going on.
Seek medical attention if the signs and symptoms are not going away.
If you aren’t sure that stress is the cause of your problems, and the symptoms continue when you are taking actions like above to help remedy, then you need to seek a health care doctor or an emotional counselor to provide additional coping tools.
Get emergency help immediately if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in jaw or back, shoulder or arm, sweating, dizziness or nausea as these are possible signs of a more urgent medical emergency like a heart attack. Call 911 for emergency medical situations.
If you are local and struggling with stress related issues or looking to manage and prevent complications of stress, call the office at 772-932-9310.
Walk-ins are also welcome. Looking forward to being of service.
